Government minister who fought in Falklands to return for 30th anniversary memorial

VETERANS Minister Keith Brown – who served with the Armyin the Falklands – has paidtribute to the “many brave Scots” involved in the conflict.

VETERANS Minister Keith Brown – who served with the Armyin the Falklands – has paid tribute to the “many brave Scots” involved in the conflict.

The Nationalist MSP is returning to the islands for a memorial service to mark the 30th anniversary of their liberation.

Brown, who served with 45 Commando, will visit key sites in the fight to free the Falklands from Argentinian invaders.

He will also officially represent Scotland’s veterans during the Liberation Day events on Thursday.

The minister said: “Many brave Scots were part of the task force that set sail to liberate the Falkland Isles,as were the service personnel from other parts of the UKwho were based in, and who travelled from, Scotland.

“I was able to witness the tremendous courage – in the face of great danger and huge logistical challenges – that the men and women of the Armed Forces displayed to repel the Argentine invasion.”

Brown is due to arrive in the South Atlantic islands on Monday. He will visit Volunteer Point on Tuesday and Blue Beach cemetery and Fox Bay on Wednesday.

On Thursday, he will take part in the Liberation Day service and parade, organised by the Falkland Islands government, three decades on from the war.

Speaking before he set off, Brown said: “Travelling to the Falklands 30 years on will mean I can thank on behalf of Scotland allthose who sacrificed so much and showed such dedication and determination to repel the invasion.

“I will be able to pay particular tribute to allthose Scots and others who travelled from Scotland, as well as those who were part of the task force who have since made their home inScotland.

“While the Falklands conflict was three decades ago, this anniversary should be a reminder of the first-class job that the Armed Forces did then and continue to do now on our behalf, and the debt we owe them.”

Brown, 50, has talked before about his experiences in the Falklands. He revealed that he lost comrades to “friendly fire” and was told to make his will before advancinginto enemy gunfire.

The liberation of the Falklands took 74 days and cost 255 British and 649 Argentine lives.